JCC Supervisors approve government center contract

Vote was 3-2 for the $177 million deal, with Barbara Null and Tracy Wainwright voting against.

Good morning! It’s June 24. The board still has to decide what to do with existing government center site. After two re-assessments raised real estate taxes by double digits, the supervisors are looking for ways to cap extremes and expand breaks for the elderly and disabled. Coming up this weekend — Williamsburg LIVE concerts….PRIDE event…James City County Fire Department celebrates 50th anniversary.

Construction on underground parking Monday afternoon, left, for new government center, right. (Williamsburg Watch and architect images)

James City County supervisors voted 3-2 Tuesday to approve the final construction contract for the new county government center for a price not to exceed $177 million. Next they have to decide what to do with their existing office campus.

Powhatan District Member Tracy Wainwright and Stonehouse District Barbara E. Null voted against the new county office complex. Tuesday’s vote authorized the county administrator to sign the final phase of the agreement with Henderson, Inc. and Gilbane Building Company, who are jointly building the center.

Assistant County Administrator Bradley J. Rinehimer told the supervisors a contract for the library annex to be housed in the center, and the road work around the site, would be presented to them this fall or by winter.

County Administrator Scott Stevens told Vice Chair Ruth Larson the board had several years to decide what to do with the current office campus off Mounts Bay Road near Kingsmill.

He said he has spoken with the Superintendent of Williamsburg-James City County schools about using the campus, and Rinehimer had reached out to other organizations that might want to lease the space.

“These buildings shouldn’t sit vacant too long because they will then fall into disrepair,” Stevens said. “If we don’t have a plan for them and can’t find a tenant for them then we may have to look at other alternatives ...They’re older buildings (but) they’ve been well maintained... they do have some useful life.”